I'm always interested in hearing about the USMS demographics, but I couldn't find any information on USMS and college swimming. I was wondering roughly what percentage of US Masters swimmers swam in college and at what level. I also wanted to hear from you where you went, when, and what you loved / hated most about college swimming.
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Former Member
Great thread idea - I've enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences.
I swam for two and half years at a service academy, and while I enjoyed my teammates and made great friends, I mostly remember it being a struggle and overall a bit of a disappointment. Two shoulder surgeries and a death in the family marred my freshman season. I made it to NCAA's, only to false start in the finals of the 100 BR. Sophomore season was better - improved most of my times and made it back to NCAA's, but got a nasty case of food poisoning and missed all but the last day of the meet. :bitching: Junior year, shoulder problems started cropping up again, and between the demands of swimming and daily grind of cadet life, I was just burned out, so I gave it up.
Although I have been coaching Masters swimmers for a number of years, I have never felt a burning need to return to the pool myself. My biggest problem has always been that I love to race, but hate to train, and that's tough to do once you hit middle age. :p I get my swimming fix from my Masters swimmers, who are a fun, enthusiastic bunch.
Great thread idea - I've enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences.
I swam for two and half years at a service academy, and while I enjoyed my teammates and made great friends, I mostly remember it being a struggle and overall a bit of a disappointment. Two shoulder surgeries and a death in the family marred my freshman season. I made it to NCAA's, only to false start in the finals of the 100 BR. Sophomore season was better - improved most of my times and made it back to NCAA's, but got a nasty case of food poisoning and missed all but the last day of the meet. :bitching: Junior year, shoulder problems started cropping up again, and between the demands of swimming and daily grind of cadet life, I was just burned out, so I gave it up.
Although I have been coaching Masters swimmers for a number of years, I have never felt a burning need to return to the pool myself. My biggest problem has always been that I love to race, but hate to train, and that's tough to do once you hit middle age. :p I get my swimming fix from my Masters swimmers, who are a fun, enthusiastic bunch.
